Whooo’s ready to meet some of Minnesota’s coolest feathered residents? Owls may be silent fliers, but they leave a big impression in our state’s forests, fields, and even backyards. If you love a fun twist, these nocturnal wonders are also the inspiration behind our What-A-Hoot Lucky Lines scratch ticket! Minnesota’s owls benefit from lottery proceeds via the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, with projects that have helped protect our cute little feathered friends. Let’s get to know these incredible birds that call Minnesota home.
The Great Gray Owl: The Silent Giant
The Great Gray Owl is the Shaquille O’Neal of the owl world—huge, impressive, and impossible to miss. Despite their massive size, they rely on stealth, gliding silently through the forest like a ghost on a mission.
Where to find them: Boreal forests in northern Minnesota. Keep an eye out for a giant puffball staring you down from a tree tops.
The Snowy Owl: The Arctic Icon
These Arctic visitors swoop into Minnesota during the colder months, looking majestic and slightly judgy. Some are pure white while others are heavily speckled in black or brown. But NONE are purple, blue or pink like the owls in our What-A-Hoot Lucky Lines scratch game.
Fun fact: Snowy Owl sightings are booming this year! At least four have been spotted at MSP airport recently where they hunt in the wide-open spaces.
The Barred Owl: Minnesota’s Woodland DJ
“Who cooks for you? Who cooks for Y’ALL?” That’s the Barred Owl, hitting the woodland airwaves with its iconic call. Known for their chatty nature, these owls are basically Minnesota’s version of a forest podcast.
Pro tip: Take a twilight stroll near wooded areas. You might score a front-row seat to one of their live performances.
The Eastern Screech Owl: Small Owl, Big Personality
Don’t be fooled by their petite size—the Eastern Screech Owl is bursting with personality. Their calls range from soft trills to spooky, horse-like whinnies, and their fluffy little frames are as cute as they are mysterious.
Where to find them: Parks, backyards, and anywhere with cozy tree cover. They love to blend in, so keep your eyes peeled!
The Northern Hawk Owl: The Daytime Daredevil
Part owl, part hawk, 100% awesome. The Northern Hawk Owl hunts during the day and can dive bomb with insane accuracy. With sharp eyesight that rivals the best spy gear, this owl is a marvel to behold.
Fun fact: Owls can’t move their eyes like we do. To compensate, they swivel their heads up to 270 degrees, which makes them excellent at spotting prey and potentially, What-A-Hoot wins!
The Boreal Owl: Minnesota’s Best-Kept Secret
The Boreal Owl is the introvert of the owl world—quiet and reclusive, their soft, rhythmic hoots are like the woodland version of ASMR.
Fun fact: These nocturnal ninjas and almost impossible to spot, but if you head to your nearest lottery retailer, What-A-Hoot Lucky Lines is an easy find.
The Great Horned Owl: The All-Around Superstar
The Great Horned Owl is the celebrity of Minnesota’s owl scene. With their iconic “horned” feathers and commanding presence, they’re as fierce as they are fabulous.
Fun fact: Owls are zygodactyl, meaning they have two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward. For added versatility, they can swivel one toe forward or back—how handy would that be when you’re scratching your What-A-Hoot tickets?
Why Minnesota’s Owls Deserve Your Attention
Owls are Minnesota’s natural treasures—silent, majestic, and endlessly fascinating. So grab your binoculars, bundle up, and take a moment to appreciate these winged wonders. And while you’re at it, pick up What-A-Hoot Lucky Lines scratch tickets at your favorite lottery retailer for a chance to win big. Even if luck doesn’t strike the first time, don’t fret—enter your non-winning tickets for a 2nd Chance to win cash and an owl-tastic prize pack. Whooo knows? It might just be your lucky day!
